9:29 PM,
Apr. 22, 2014

Written by

Beth TenPas
For Sheboygan Press Media

Whooping cough is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It is called whooping cough because of the "whoop" heard when a person who has it gasps for breath.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, is very contagious and spreads easily throughout households. In infants and children, the disease begins much like a cold with a runny nose, low fever, and a mild but irritating cough for one to two weeks. Whooping cough can trigger coughing so severe that it results in vomiting, pneumonia and broken ribs. The cough can last for weeks or months.